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In the dynamic and ever-changing Melbourne, ensuring the security of your business, event, or property is of the utmost importance. Whether you are a retail shop owner on Bourke Street, a construction manager in a growing suburb, or managing a significant corporate event at the MCG, hiring security guards provides unparalleled protection and peace of mind. Trained security guards are much more than just a uniform-wearing presence; they are your first line of defence against theft, crowd safety, and eye watching for potential risks and threats to eliminate them before they become greater issues.
But what is the cost of employing security? The cost to engage security guards in Melbourne can seem complicated, with an extensive range of figures quoted. This guide will clear up the 2025 pricing, breaking down all the key factors that influence the final cost of hiring guards.
Average Security Guard Costs in Melbourne
In 2025, the average cost to hire a security guard is typically between $38 and $110 per hour, including GST.
Though this obviously covers a broad range, your final quote is based on key variables. Usually, this amount represents the guard’s pay, superannuation, comprehensive insurance, and any licensed security firm’s overheads. Many people mistakenly think of this amount as purely overhead; instead, it’s a more reasonable investment in managing risk, your assets, and the safety of your people.
To understand variation in cost, we must explore the specific items that security providers like A1 Security Melbourne consider when preparing a customized quote.
Key Factors Influencing Security Guard Costs
The hourly rate you pay will reflect the risk, skill level, and resources necessary for your specific situation. Below are the primary items that will drive your investment.
1. The Nature of Security Requirement
The type of security service you pay for is the most significant cost driver. For example, a guard watching a quiet office building at night after hours plays a different role than a guard protecting a well-known celebrity at a public event.
General Patrolling & Static Guarding ($40 – $55/hour + GST): This type of security is the most common form of security. These guards patrol the premises, monitor CCTV, control access points, and act as a visible deterrent. This service is best for retail stores, commercial offices, and residential complexes. The role focuses on preventing, observing, and reporting.
Event Security ($45 – $80/hour + GST): Securing an event like a wedding, a festival, or a corporate conference requires a unique skillset to manage. The responsibilities of guards include: Controlling crowd flow, responding to gatecrashing, reducing potential altercations, and communicating with emergency authorities. The costs depend on crowd numbers, risk level, event timing, and alcohol consumption.
Construction Site Security ($50 – $90/hour + GST): Construction sites are high-value targets for stealing materials, appliances, or equipment. Security requirements include CCTV monitoring, patrols, multi-acre sites that are often dark and unoccupied overnight, and noting all vehicles and personnel entering and exiting the site. The high risk demands a high cost.
Personal & Executive Protection ($80 – $150+/hour + GST): Personal & executive protection can escalate beyond words when protecting a VIP, celebrity, or corporate executive. Personal & executive protection agents are not just security officers; they are highly skilled protection specialists with advanced risk assessment and planning skills. Their tactics for personal protection are discreet. Companies usually charge $65,000 and over $150,000 yearly, depending on risk. This reflects a high hourly charge for the squad and the intense responsibility they bear.
Specialised facility security ($55 – $95/hour + GST): Facilities such as hospitals, data centres, and industrial plants may present unique situations. Guards at these facilities need specialised & specific training to manage aggressive individuals (hospital), protocol of access (data centres), and occupational health safety (industrial plants).
2. The Guard’s Skillset, Training, and Equipment
Not all Guards are equal. The guards’ hiring costs depend on qualifications, training, licensing, and the equipment they carry.
Unarmed Security Officer ($40 – $65/hour + GST): These guards are trained in the areas of observation, conflict resolution, first aid, and emergency response. They are equipped with communication devices, and they are unarmed. All staff rely on their presence and communication skills so that they can mitigate disorderly behaviour.
Armed Security Officer (Basic Training) ($60 – $85/hour + GST): Armed guards can provide a higher level of deterrence for businesses with high-value assets. For example, these are deployed at jewelry stores, banks, or a cash-in-transit service. Armed guards go through extensive training and licensing protocols to carry a firearm lawfully. The simple presence of an armed guard is often enough to deter possible criminal behaviour.
Armed Security Officer (Advanced/Specialist Training) ($80 – $120/hour + GST): Armed guards get advanced tactical training and are often come from law enforcement and military backgrounds. These individuals are trained in threat assessment, suspect detention, and advanced crowd control and may be armed with additional equipment, such as handcuffs. They would take on high-risk assignments or protect critical infrastructure.
3. Location, Timing, and Duration
Where and when you need a security service will play a significant role in the overall cost.
Location: Although our focus is Melbourne, your rates may vary slightly based on the suburb due to the suburb’s risk profile. For context, Indeed data suggests Melbourne’s average is competitive, sitting around $40/hour + GST, compared to Sydney’s higher average of $52/hour + GST and Brisbane/Perth’s lower averages of $38/hour + GST.
Time of Day or Week: Security services required during standard business hours are less expensive for clients, Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. The evening shifts are costliest and overnight work with the highest rates for late-night shifts on Fridays and Saturdays. Public holidays are also a considerable factor in pay rates due to the Award provision.
Service Duration: Are you employing a guard for a one-off 6-hour event, or do you need to cover a construction project 24/7 for six months? A longer-term contract will almost always come with a cheaper locked-in hourly rate. One-off, short-term assignments will always come with a higher hourly rate to factor in the admin resources and logistics to mobilise an employee for a short period.
4. The Value of a Specialised Security Provider
The company you choose to partner with has a direct impact on the quality of service you receive. While some companies offer security as one of many unrelated services (like cleaning or plumbing), a specialised firm like A1 Security Melbourne provides a distinct advantage.
Our focus is singular: security. This means we have rigorous recruitment practices, higher training standards, and specialised guards as opposed to generalists. We commit significant resources to the continuous professional development of our team to keep pace with modern security issues arising in 2025. While a multi-service provider might advertise a lower base rate, the value gained, reliability of the service, and peace of mind of employing a security specialist company cannot be overstated.
How to Optimise Your Security Budget
Understanding the costs is one thing; optimising your budget is another. Here are a few strategic tips:
1. Conduct a Professional Risk Assessment: Don’t guess what you need. Hire a professional from A1 Security or another reputable firm to assess your vulnerabilities and make recommendations for proportional and cost-effective solutions so you won’t overpay for services you don’t need.
2. Compare Quotes, Not Just Prices: When looking for quotes, remember to look for something other than the price at the bottom. Ask what’s included: what level of insurance do they have? Guards background? What reporting will you receive? The cheapest quote is NOT the best value!
3. Consider Hybrid Solutions: Technology can replace your onsite presence? It can be effective and much more cost-effective to use technology, like monitored CCTV alarms and better prepared mobile patrol responses, than to pay a static guard 24/7.
4. Negotiate a Long-Term Contract: If your needs are ongoing, then committing to a longer-term contract (12 months) is the best way to negotiate a better hourly rate.
The A1 Security Melbourne Difference
At A1 Security Melbourne, exceptional service is a foundation of trust, expertise, and customer-centric tailored solutions. We are not a one-size-fits-all. Our team listens to your specific and unique concerns and provides a well-thought-out security plan with your best interests in mind, with a focus on providing maximum protection level and value. Each member of our highly trained team is a licensed professional to exceed your particular and specific expectations. They are safety and security experts and ambassadors for your brand.
Final Verdict
Investing in professional security is proactive in protecting your assets, people, and reputation. While the costs in Melbourne depend on your needs, by understanding these components, you can negotiate easily.
DON’T Leave Your Safety to Chance. Contact the experts from A1 Security Melbourne today for a free, no-obligation security assessment and a transparent, comprehensive quote that fits your specific needs.
You can visit our website to get your free quote!
